In winter, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts enjoy setting out to conquer snowy trails. For walkers, snowshoes are an excellent alternative for exploring new horizons.
Why go snowshoeing?
Easy and affordable, accessible to everyone and synonymous with freedom and adventure, snowshoeing has become one of the most popular winter mountain activities. Snowshoeing offers both enjoyment and physical exercise. It allows you to explore the mountain in all its hidden corners, far from the crowds that flock to the pistes. And you can share the experience with family, friends or as a couple. Using hiking poles can help when snowshoeing. They are not essential but help you maintain balance, especially when there is a lot of snow and you are sinking in.
Is snowshoeing difficult?
Just as with regular hiking, there are easy routes and others that are more challenging. One thing is certain — snowshoeing is not particularly difficult if you choose a route suited to your level.
How do you choose your snowshoes?
Good snowshoes should be lightweight, ergonomic and durable. Snowshoes are mostly made from plastic or aluminium; some high-end models may feature carbon inserts. While plastic snowshoes are the most widespread thanks to their excellent value for money and all-round durability, they are geared towards occasional leisure use. Aluminium snowshoes, being lighter, offer better performance on long or very long outings. Finally, for those who prioritise speed and low weight, certain models feature carbon inserts to reduce the weight of the equipment as much as possible. For occasional users, opt for flexible snowshoes capable of replicating the natural movement of the foot as closely as possible. If you venture onto steep terrain, on-piste and/or off-piste, you need snowshoes offering excellent stability and good grip. Go for models with solid crampons under the forefoot.
Photo by Alain Wong on Unsplash
How should you dress for snowshoeing?
Here is a checklist to help you pack your bag:
- A 1st layer or base layer: Ideally, wear base layers made from synthetic fibres or merino wool, which are particularly effective at wicking away perspiration.
- A 2nd layer: Choose a fleece to insulate your body from the cold.
- A 3rd layer: The jacket must be waterproof and breathable to handle any weather. Choose a hooded model that will protect you in wind or snow.
- Trousers: Warm and stretchy, they should open at the lower leg or along the side to allow perspiration to escape during exertion.
- Sunglasses: preferably choose a wraparound model with side protection and a protection index of 3 or 4.
- Gloves: they should not be too rigid, but above all warm and waterproof.
- A beanie
4 good reasons to go snowshoeing
- Good physical exercise: Snowshoeing works your entire body, right down to the smallest muscles.
- Affordable: Apart from the initial equipment purchase, snowshoeing gear can also be rented (at very low cost), and no lift pass is required.
- Everywhere, all winter long: Whatever your winter destination, you can pull out your snowshoes and head out on an adventure. You will of course need to keep an eye on the weather. After that, you can walk wherever you like — resorts very often have marked trails set up for this purpose.
- All levels including beginners: Snowshoeing can be practised by absolutely everyone. No prior experience or special ability is required.
Where can you go snowshoeing?
The White Lake resort offers 5 marked trails for snowshoeing at the heart of the Ballons des Vosges regional nature park, giving access to magnificent snowy panoramas.
In the Jura, on the marked trails of the Haut-Jura regional nature park. And more specifically, at the 4 Nordic sites of Grandvaux, offering snowshoeing circuits ranging from 2 to 9 km.
The Massif Central is home to the best routes for snowshoe hiking. Beginners can start with the Les Plaines circuit, while the more adventurous can hike all the way to the summit of Puy Gros at 1,485 metres above sea level. All of this set against magnificent panoramas of snow-covered lakes and volcanoes.
